Kenyan prankster Nicki Bigfish got hit with a costly scam at the Uganda border when he exchanged money and ended up with fake notes, a mishap he shared publicly that’s now warning travellers everywhere.
The popular content creator, real name Nixon Andare, crossed into Uganda recently for what looked like work or a content trip – he’s been teasing pranks in Kampala on his socials. He stopped to swap Kenyan shillings for Ugandan shillings at the border, a common move for anyone heading that way.
The deal seemed straightforward at first. He handed over his cash, got Ugandan notes back, and continued to Kampala without a second thought.
It wasn’t until he tried spending the money in the city that the trouble started. Shops and vendors rejected the bills outright – they were counterfeit. Nicki realised he’d been handed fake currency during the exchange.
He lost a decent chunk of money in the process, though he didn’t put an exact figure out there. In posts and clips making rounds on Instagram and Facebook, he called it a painful lesson and urged people to be extra careful with informal money changers at borders.
This kind of trick isn’t new along the busy Kenya-Uganda route. Busaba, Busia, and Malaba crossings see thousands of travellers daily – traders, tourists, and families visiting relatives. Many skip banks or official forex spots because rates look better with street guys or small kiosks.
Fake notes, short-changing, or outright theft happen too often. Nicki’s story puts a face to the problem – when it hits someone with a big following, it spreads fast and reminds everyone that it can happen to anybody.
He didn’t name the exact spot or person involved, but his warning focuses on the bigger picture. Use licensed changers, check notes under light or with apps that spot fakes, or stick to ATMs and banks even if it costs a bit more.
In his usual style, he turned the bad experience into content, sharing it with humour mixed with real advice. Comments flooded in – some laughed at the irony of the prank king getting pranked, others shared their own border horror stories, and plenty thanked him for the heads-up.
Nicki Bigfish built his name pulling off wild street pranks, gifting cash, or setting up funny scenarios that go viral. This time, the joke was on him. But instead of hiding it, he put it out there, turning a loss into something useful for followers planning trips.
Uganda remains a favourite spot for Kenyan creators – cheap flights, lively scenes in Kampala, and easy border access make it appealing. It’s just not so appealing when your spending money turns worthless.
Borders stay chaotic with long lines, touts pushing services, and quick deals happening everywhere.
For now, the influencer keeps moving – he’s teased more pranks in Kampala, so the trip isn’t ruined yet. His followers hope he bounces back quickly and maybe turns this into one of his signature comeback videos.
In the meantime, his post serves as a timely reminder: at any border, double-check your cash before walking away. One bad exchange can turn a fun getaway into an expensive headache.
As February 27 carries on, the story keeps popping up in gossip pages and travel groups. Kenyans heading east or Ugandans coming west might think twice next time they spot a money changer. Nicki Bigfish took the hit, but his share could save others from the same trap.
